Robin Gibb on Michael Jackson #RIPRobinGibb #RIPMJ
(In Photo: Maurice Gibb, Michael Jackson, Barry Gibb and Robin Gibb)

"We’ve not only lost a great friend in Michael but also lost a wonderful sensitive human being. The Bee Gees heard music with the same ears. Michael had a great voice and millions of people yet to be born will sing his songs. This tragedy should teach us a lesson to value and praise those gifts while we still have them in the world. If even a small portion of the praise that is bestowed on Michael Jackson now in death was given to him last year in life, he might well still be with us. That is the sad truth. One consolation is that he will triumph by his legacy."

source: http://www.beegees.it/dblog/storico.asp?s=Dal+web&m=&pagina=4&ordinamento=desc

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Condolences to The Gibb Family. Robin, you will be forever missed. Thank you for your music
As we celebrate Robin Gibb's wonderful music here's a link of my personal favorite Bee Gee's song live at MGM Grand http://youtu.be/ChIyYI12EjQ

On this day, 15 years ago - Blood On The Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix was released.

This 13 track album was released in May 20, 1997 and contained 5 new songs in addition to 8 remixed tracks from the HIStory album. The album went on to become the best selling remix album of al time.

Due to the fact that Michael was on the History world tour at the time of recording the album, many of the tracks were recorded and mixed in countries around the globe such as Sweden, Switzerland and Germany.

The album was originally planned to be a promotional tool for the European leg of the HIStory tour, and for this reason was not widely publicized in most of the world. The album ended up being widely successful around the globe, despite the low promotions, with the album and/or the title single reaching #1 in over 10 countries.

There were two singles released for this album. The first one 'Blood On The Dance Floor' was released around the world, and the second single 'History/Ghosts' was released in Europe and Australia.

2 of the tracks, "Ghosts" and "Is It Scary" were used in the 39 minute short movie Ghosts.

To date the Blood On The Dance Floor album has sold 6 million copies world wide.

Album Track listings:

1. Blood On The Dance Floor
2. Morphine
3. Superfly Sister
4. Ghost
5. Is It Scary
6. Scream Louder - Flyte Time Remix
7. Money - Fire Island Radio Edit
8. 2 Bad - Refugee Camp Mix
9. Stranger In Moscow - Tee's In-House Club Mix
10. This Time Around - D.M Radio Mix
11. Earth Song - Hani's Club Experience
12. You Are Not Alone - Classic Club Mix
13. History - Tony Moran's History Lesson

source: www.allmichaeljackson.com

Today in 2001 - Michael Jackson was inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist in New York.

It was the second time that Michael Jackson has been inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. First, as a member of the Jackson Five and became the youngest living artist to be inducted. When he was inducted in 2001, Michael holds again another record by becoming the youngest solo artist to be inducted.

Michael attended the induction with a cast on his feet due to accident he had in California (he fell while dancing)

watch Michael's Induction and his speech http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BR-7ivY9K50

May 17, 1998 - Michael Jackson kisses, 15 months old Melvi Nujoma granddaughter of Namibian President Sam Nujoma who is held by her father Utoni Nujoma. Michael is in Namibia to attend a summit held by the World Economic Forum and to look at investment possibilities in the country. The arrival of the pop star caused chaos in Windhoek.

source: http://mjjforever.wordpress.com/page/21/

"Study the great and become greater." - Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson's Handwritten notes dated May 5, 1985 about wanting to have a book about how The Beatles write songs.

And as we all know, in 1985, Michael Jackson bought the publishing rights to Beatles songs worth $ 47.5 million.

On this day in 1996, Michael Jackson gave 300 loot bags filled with toys and chocolates for orphan children in Manila.

MY CLOSE ENCOUNTER WITH MICHAEL JACKSON BY GWEN CARINO

MANILA, Philippines – When I was a PR officer at Manila Hotel, I was assigned to head the annual Orphan’s Christmas Party where 300 children from different orphanages around Metro Manila were treated to a day of fun and surprises. It was one of the biggest projects on my plate and it was such a challenge to focus on work the day before the big event, knowing Michael Jackson was billeted in the hotel.

Two nights before, I had been fortunate to be part of his welcome line at the hotel lobby together with the rest of the PR and sales staff but was content enough to see him walk by.

The day before, a guy claiming to be Michael Jackson’s aide from Mamarao Productions came to the office. I couldn’t recall his name but he looked for the “person in charge” and said his boss had read the announcement about the event in the Dear Guest flyers we had circulated to all the rooms a week before. Michael wanted to know how he could help. His aide went up to the Penthouse and down to the PR office several times after we gave our suggestions.

Michael offered to fill up the 300 loot bags with goodies and toys, candies and chocolates. But after getting close to 50 sponsors, it was actually a problem for us to dispose of everything.

So I thought hard…how can the King of Pop meaningfully join the affair? I couldn’t possibly have him be with the kids in the palayok game or the pabitin as he might end up being mobbed! And since the annual event was really all about giving, I mustered all my courage and told the Mamarao guy that the best thing I could think of was for Michael to literally be present to help distribute the loot bags, sign autographs and pose with the children for photos. “Wow, that may not be easy. You’re talking about handing goodie bags to 300 children and I can just imagine the chaos. We’ll see, Ms. Jacinto. I’ll get back to you,” he said.

Lunch break came and it was the most hurried one I ever took in my entire life. It wasn’t until after 5 p.m. that Michael‘s aide came back and said, “Michael is more than happy to do whatever you suggest. How do we go about it tomorrow?”

I wanted to scream. I had to calm myself and regain composure as the Lizzie Maguire in me said, “Get real, get back into focus.”

We agreed that Michael would join after the games, musical program and snacks, and at the last part to give out the loot bags. My colleague Annette Africano and boss Dulce Agnir requested for additional security around the garden and the stage area as this was where we decided to distribute the gifts. We made sure the children would form an orderly line.

Then the moment arrived. It was at the Champagne Gardens on Dec. 7, 1996. I was surprised to see him walking towards us, guided by his aide. Michael came up to me as I had to brief him.

“Hi, how are you? Thanks so much for letting me in, I know I’m early ’coz I didn’t want to miss the program.”

I said, “Are you kidding? Thanks so much for volunteering! Here’s what Michael, why don’t you just sit here and watch the musical numbers before we get into the gift giving. I will have to tweak the program a bit.”

He replied, “Sure, anything you say… (pausing to look at my name tag) Gwen!”

I was stunned at how incredibly sweet and modest he was. And in my mind it was, “Oh my God, this is really happening!”

Amazing how he patiently sat through the whole program. Carol Banawa, then an Ang TV mainstay couldn’t believe MJ was watching her perform. She had her red blouse signed by him right after her number. Then followed Stefano Mori’s dance number. Later, his back up singers and dancers came up on stage followed by select kids from different orphanages who danced to the beat of Billie Jean. Oh, the smile on Michael’s face was just amazing.

Then we announced that Michael will be distributing gifts onstage. I explained to him that there’s a loot bag for the younger kids and another for the older ones and he nodded. The thrill and excitement he gave those children was incredibly touching. It was in between the gift bag distribution that I caught a glimpse of MJ, not as a performer but as a person.

It was one in the afternoon. Santa Claus (David Endriga, a friend of fellow PR officer Francis Capistrano) was with us. The heat was scourging and I was worried that Michael felt so hot with his black long-sleeved signature attire and hat.

“Are you alright Michael? We can let you take a break,” I asked.

He said, “I’m cool Gwen. Just imagine how Santa feels inside his velvet suit and beard. We’ll be fine.”

I never heard him complain or say a word about how hot it was or how long the line was. He had the most beautiful manners. He didn’t even ask for a drink or a towel to wipe his sweat but one of our banquet staff made sure he got a glass of fresh orange juice.

An hour passed and we were halfway through gift-giving when we noticed that the garden was getting filled up. Suddenly, there were people from media, politicians, officials and hotel guests including those in a wedding reception at the nearby Champagne Room who deserted the newly-weds just to get a glimpse of the King of Pop.

“Oh oh, this isn’t supposed to be, I’m so sorry,” I said. It’s all right, we’ll get through it,” Michael said smiling.

As we finished giving out the last loot bag to an 11-year-old orphan, a new line of more kids and adults formed. Michael’s bodyguard, Wayne, said. “We can leave now.”

Michael replied calmly, “We can’t leave when there are still people in line. It’s Christmas, dude.”

I felt my heart beat faster and the hair on my arms and the back of my neck stood up. He wasn’t just the most electrifying performer, but the most generous person.

One of the most memorable moments was when a lady came up to him for an autograph. Laughing and holding his tummy, he said “Hey Gwen, you’ve gotta check this out. He whispered, “It’s a blank check. The lady is making me sign on a blank check.”

We laughed hard and little did we know that it wasn’t even half of the comedy. He later showed me and Wayne other stuff people would use or pick up on the ground when they couldn’t find paper for him to sign on. One lady made him sign at the back of her elegant, designer Filipiniana gown. One teenager came up to him holding a dead leaf and another one, a popped balloon. Imagine how our laughter ballooned as well.

It was an amazing, genuine experience. At one point he asked if I was going to catch his History concert and I said “tomorrow night.”

“Oh, you’ll have a blast!” Michael told me.

At this point he became concerned about the stage as adults outnumbered the kids. His face had nervousness written all over it but he still didn’t complain. He tapped the wooden floor with his foot several times making sure it was sturdy enough not to fall apart. “I’ve experienced the stage collapse and I just want to make sure we’re all safe here,” he explained.

Half of me wanted the line to finish because we were literally melting and worried about our safety, but half of me didn’t, knowing that once the line ended, Michael will leave.

At some point it did end. I managed to get an autograph for my sisters and me before our general manager, Clem Pablo, requested him to sing Give Love on Christmas Day.

Cesar Sarino, one of the hotel’s officials, addressed his thank you note to the King of Pop. Then I saw his guards and aides whisking Michael off stage.

I said in my mind, “Oh man, I didn’t even have the chance to say goodbye.”

Suddenly, I saw Michael return on stage and say, “Thanks so much to you and your team, Gwen. This really means a lot.”

Then he held me beside him and said, “I’ll see you at the concert.”

As Michael Jackson is laid to rest and returned to pristine condition in the afterlife, these two incredible acts of the King of Pop — volunteering for charity and unselfishly spending time with the less fortunate, will forever be the way I will remember this man.

SOURCE: http://www.philstar.com/article.aspx?articleid=483815

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This article was very close to my heart. No matter how many times I've red it always have the same effect on me. It was during his visit in Manila where I was able to see him performed and watched him genuinely cares for the children. I will forever miss you Applehead.

On this day in 1983 - THRILLER - The most successful Music Video was released.

Voted as the most influential pop music video of all time, Thriller proved to have a profound effect on popular culture, and was named "a watershed moment for the [music] industry for its unprecedented merging of filmmaking and music. Guinness World Records listed it in 2006 as the "most successful music video", selling over 9 million units. In 2009, the video was inducted into the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress, the first music video to ever receive this honor, for being “culturally, historically or aesthetically” significant.

Co-starring with Jackson was former Playboy centerfold Ola Ray. The video was choreographed by Michael Peters (who had worked with the singer on his prior hit "Beat It"), and Michael Jackson. The video also contains incidental music by film music composer Elmer Bernstein, who had previously worked with Landis on An American Werewolf in London. The video (like the song) contains a spoken word performance by horror film veteran Vincent Price. Rick Baker assisted in prosthetics and makeup for the production. "Thriller" was the third and final video for the Thriller album. The red jacket that Jackson wore was designed by John Landis' wife Deborah Landis to make him appear more "virile".

To qualify for an Academy Award, "Thriller" debuted at a special theatrical screening, along with the 1940 Disney motion picture Fantasia.

Michael said of making the music video, in an interview that aired on December 11, 1999, for MTV's 100 Greatest Videos Ever Made:

"My idea was to make this short film with conversation... in the beginning - I like having a beginning and a middle and an ending, which would follow a story. I'm very much involved in complete making and creating of the piece. It has to be, you know, my soul. Usually, you know, it's an interpretation of the music... It was a delicate thing to work on because I remember my original approach was, 'How do you make zombies and monsters dance without it being comical?' So I said, 'We have to do just the right kind of movement so it doesn't become something that you laugh at.' But it just has to take it to another level. So I got in a room with [choreographer] Michael Peters, and he and I together kind of imagined how these zombies move by making faces in the mirror. I used to come to rehearsal sometimes with monster makeup on, and I loved doing that. So he and I collaborated and we both choreographed the piece and I thought it should start like that kind of thing and go into this jazzy kind of step, you know. Kind of gruesome things like that, not too much ballet or whatever.

On this day in 1982, Thriller was released and change the music world forever. #happybirthdayThriller

"Thriller" was an instant smash, selling 1 million copies before the end of the year. By November, 1983, it had sold 10 million copies and was a hot seller for that Christmas season too. Thriller becomes the biggest-selling album of all time - selling over 51 million copies worldwide and providing a record of 6 Top Ten singles - the most ever from one album.

Both records appear in The Guinness Book Of World Records and have never been broken up to this date!!!

"Thriller" [LP] held its number one position on the U.S. charts for an unrivaled 37 weeks during a 122 week residency!

Michael: "Ever since I was a little boy, I had dreamed of creating the biggest-selling record of all time. I remember going swimming as a child and making a wish before I jumped into the pool. Remember, I grew up knowing the industry, understanding goals, and being told what was and was not possible. I wanted to do something special. I'd stretch my arms out, as if I were sending my thoughts right up into space. I'd make my wish, then I'd dive into the water. I'd say to myself, 'This is my dream. This is my wish', every time before I'd dive into the water."

Michael Jackson becomes the undisputed King of Pop and reigns over his title up to today - unrivaled!

For the first video, "Billie Jean", Steve Baron was chosen as director. For the first time in history of MTV, a music video told a story - and was not just a collage of images. "Billie Jean's" video made a big impression on the MTV audience and was a huge hit. It's also seen as a major breakthrough for black artists, who had previously been ignored by the channel. Michael Jackson was in fact the first black artist to be added the MTV's playlist! Before that, MTV refused to play videos by black artists. Michael has changed that forever...

Thriller, released on November 30, 1982, an album that would transcend all kinds of barriers in the music world. From its pioneering role in launching the first black recording artist to get airplay on MTV, to the extent it developed the look and style of how the still-new medium of music video, the album made Michael the most popular and famous entertainer in the world.

source: http://mjjtime.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2010-12-03T00:21:00-08:00&max-results=7&reverse-paginate=true

On this day in 1991 - Michael Jackson performs Black in White on MTV's 10th Anniversary Special.

The day following the release of Dangerous, Michael performed his new single on a TV special celebrating the 10th anniversary of MTV. The hour long special aired on ABC and featured some of the biggest names in pop and rock music. There were performances by Aerosmith, George Michael, REM, and a spoken tribute by Madonna, each performed one song.

The special concluded with Michael performing two songs from his brand new album. Guns and Roses guitarist Slash, who plays on 2 tracks on Dangerous, Black or White and Give In To Me, joined Michael for Black Or White. Michael was dressed just as in the video, in black pants and white t-shirt underneath a opened white shirt. Michael's performance was energetic and fun, and he noticeably keep his hands off his crotch in the wake of the turmoil over the original video.

A gospel choir of various ages joined Michael for Will You Be There, with an angel, performed by Angela Ice, flying down to Michael and putting her wings around him symbolizing hope. Vincent Patterson choreographed the performance which was filmed in an airplane hunger in Los Angeles, with Michael Jackson fan club members being invited to attend the filming and make up the audience. The performance of Black Or White was completed in 6 takes.

At the end of the song Slash tossed his guitar through the front windshield of a car that was parked on stage which then exploded. When the pyrotechnics used in Black Or White were being tested Michael was careful to stand back saying, "I'm gonna get back, I was burned before by this kind of stuff."

During the rehearsals, two of Michael's chimps visited the set, and MTV CEO Tom Freston presented Michael with a 6 foot version of the astronaut statue used as the network's music video award. While Freston spoke, the huge statue was lowered to the floor on cables. "We've made you this statue to show our appreciation for all you have done for music and MTV, and here it is. And it's rather large." Michael quietly said, "Thank you" and shook Freston's hand.

Watch the video of Michael Jackson performing at MTV's 10th Anniversary. I can't believe its been 20 years... http://youtu.be/zxKvN44wGqg Share to your followers this video in memory of Michael.
I miss performances like this... We miss you Michael.
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source: http://mjjtime.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2010-12-03T00:21:00-08:00&max-results=7&reverse-paginate=true

Today in 1991, Michael Jackson's Dangerous album was released. #Happy20thBirthdayDangerous

A few record stores in the US opened at midnight to begin selling the album as soon as possible. Tower Records in West Hollywood had a 20 foot by 150 foot replica of the album cover on the roof along with other over-sized displays from the album cover. Tower Records had an impromptu midnight opening and sold over 300 copies in 2 hours.

CBS Records initially shipped out 4 million copies of Dangerous, a new record. Dangerous is the first album to achieve advance orders of 50,000 units in the former Communist part of Germany. A spokesman for France's Virgin megastore said Dangerous was the quickest selling album the store has ever handled.
The cost to produce Dangerous probably also set new records, with an estimated cost of over $10 million. Seven recording studios were used to record the tracks. Michael had 24 hour a day access for 2 years to Record One in Sherman Oaks, California at a cost of $4,000 per day. Three rooms at Larabee Sound Studios in Los Angeles were reserved at $3000-$4000 per day.

The expense seems to payoff when Dangerous debuted on Billboard's top album chart at #1, with 326,500 copies sold in its first week. It held the position for four weeks. With record-breaking sales of 7 million in under two months, Dangerous become Michael's fastest-selling album ever in the US, breaking the sales record for Bad. Dangerous spent 117 weeks in the Billboard 200, 30 more than Bad. The RIAA certified Dangerous 7 times platinum (7 million copies).

Dangerous also debuted at #1 on the UK albums charts, the first album to do so on the strength of just 3 days of sales; it surpassed U2's new release, Achtung Baby which had a full week of sales. Dangerous spent 23 weeks in the Top 10, and a total of 96 weeks on the Top 75 chart.

Michael's new album didn't do too shaby throughout the rest of the world either, debuting at #1 in Australia, Spani, Switzerland, and Finland. The album entered the charts at #2 in Sweden and Germany, and at #3 in Italy. In Japan and the Netherlands, Dangerous debuted at #35 on the albums charts.


source: http://mjjtime.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2010-12-03T00:21:00-08:00&max-results=7&reverse-paginate=true

Today in 2002 - Michael Jackson receives the "Bambi Award For Pop Artist Of The Millenium" in Germany, an award given out yearly to people with new visions and uplifting creativity. The ceremony is held at the Estrel Convention Center in Berlin.

Michael's Acceptance Speech:

Thank you...Thank you...Thank you very much. .... [towards Boris Becker] .... How are you? ...... [Becker: I'm well]. Thank you so much for the nice words. Oh boy. ..... [Michael takes reading glasses out of his pocket] ..... I'm sorry, I have to wear these reading glasses. Oh Jesus...here we go.

Dear Dr. Burda, Dear Dr. Turnhofer, Ladies and Gentlemen.

I have wonderful memories of my visits to Germany. Coming back to Berlin...Berlin, a city so full of energy - it's very special to me.

Berlin, ich liebe dich! [German for: Berlin, I love you!]

September 11 has changed our world. Not long ago the Berlin wall came down. But recently new walls have been built. In 1989, people in Germany said: "Wir sind ein Volk." [German for: We are one nation.]

We are Germans. We are Armenians. French, Italian, Russian, American, Asian, African... many other nationalities. We are Christians, Jewish, Muslim and Hindu. We are black, we are white. We are a community of some many differences, so complex and yet so simple. We do not need to have war!!!

And to the children of Germany I want to say this: We need you! The world needs you! Please go for your dreams. Whatever your ideals...you can become whatever you want to become. Become an astronaut or famous scientist, famous doctors. And of course become an artist...[he grins] ... and maybe you get a Bambi award like me.

I want you to know that I love Germany and that you have a very special place in my heart. I love you so much ... really!

Always appreciate the gift of life. Be happy and have fun.

I love you.

source: http://en.michaeljackson.ro/history/speeches

Today in 1984 - Michael receive his star on Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Just four years after a star on Hollywood Boulevard’s ‘Walk Of Fame’ was dedicated to the Jacksons, on 20th November 1984 Michael was honoured with his own star.

He was the 1793rd celebrity to be so recognised, but the very first to capture two different stars. At his own request, the star was situated outside Mann’s Chinese Theater.

About 6,000 fans turned out for the presentation, the largest crowd to ever attend such a presentation. Michael appeared at the unveiling of the star for a full 3 minutes, then he was advised by security to leave as the crowd grew out of control.

A podium and stage had been set up, as the world's most famous entertainer was to be honored on the world's most famous sidewalk, Hollywood's Walk of Fame, a permanent monument that recognizes his life-long contribution to show business.

When Michael mounted the podium, with his mother Katherine, father Joe and Hollywood honorary Mayor Johnny Grant, he waved to the crowd with his gloved hand and delivered a speech of five words:
"Thank you very, very much!"

Fearful that some 6,000 frenzied fans who filled the streets had rebuffed crowd-control efforts, superstar Michael Jackson made the shortest acceptance speech-five words-in the history of Hollywood Walk of Fame dedication ceremonies. Concerned for the safety of the 6,000 fans who turned out to witness the unveiling ceremony, Michael was forced to abandon his planned speech.

source: http://mjjtime.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2010-11-26T00:45:00-08:00&max-results=7&reverse-paginate=true

November 16, 1996 - Michael Jackson visits the "Starship", Welcomes a girl to "The Shy Club"

In Photos: MJ and Emily Smith... Michael grants her wish of meeting him.

Michael Jackson grants American news magazine, American Journal, permission to accompany him for two weeks on his tour itinerary. Phenomenal footage narrated by Les Trent depicts Michael Jackson's visit to "Starship," a children's hospital in Auckland, New Zealand, following Jackson from room to room as he speaks to each child, leaving each a toy and autographed photo or CD.

One cancer-stricken young girl asks the entertainer what it feels like being a superstar, to which he humbly replies: "Hmm... I don't know.. I really don't. 'Cause I don't remember not performing, so it's fun to make people happy... It really is." Another boy tells him his favorite song is the singer's 1972 "Ben".

In answer to Trent's question regarding how the children's faces make him feel, Jackson touches his chest, replying "It touches my heart."

Jackson is also shown backstage just moments prior to his sold out performance, comforting Emily Smith, a shy, 13-year-old cancer victim. He welcomes her to the "shy club" while holding her in his arms and ruffling her curly hair, then poses for photographs with Emily and her family and rushes off to prepare himself for the show.

"The Smith Family", a fund-raising NGO for indigent people, receives a finance portion of the artist’s Australian concerts.

20 years ago- In 1991, The music video for "Black Or White" was premiered simultaneously in 27 countries, with a record-breaking audience of 500+ million viewers – the largest ever global audience for a music video. The music video for racially-conscious "Black Or White" was first broadcast on MTV, BET, VH1, and Fox giving them their highest Nielsen ratings ever.



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To celebrate the music video's 20th birthday, please watch the official video on youtube http://youtu.be/F2AitTPI5U0 let's make it today's most viewed!
#BlackandWhite

Today in 2006, Michael Jackson visits Guinness Book Of Records headquarters in London, to collect his official record certificates for his 8 Guinness World Records for chart achievements, album sales, earnings, and charity donations.

With a staggering eight records mapping career highlights over the last quarter of a century, Michael Jackson is one of Guinness World Records longest standing record holders. The records span from Youngest vocalist to top the US singles chart, (aged 11, fronting The Jackson Five) and First vocalist to enter the US single chart at No.1 (You Are Not Alone) to Most weeks at the top of the US album charts (non-soundtrack) (37 weeks for Thriller); Most successful music video (Thriller sold over 1 million units); First entertainer to earn more than $100 million in a year to Highest paid entertainer of all time ($125 million in 1989 Forbes list). His ultimate and latest accolade was also presented to him: Most successful entertainer of all time.

Michael arrived at Guinness World Records offices in North West London at 4pm afternoon with his entourage - a fleet of black and silver people carriers. Wearing his signature black three quarter length dinner jacket and trousers with yellow piping, he arrived amidst an army of fans who had followed him from the hotel
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He was greeted by Guinness World Records Editor, Craig Glenday, and given a whirlwind tour of the offices and shown weird and wonderful exhibits from the ‘Guinness World Records Cabinet of Curioddities’, including the world’s oldest vomit and tallest man ever’s shoes.

Michael was then presented with his record certificates, a copy of the latest edition of the book and a special edition from the year he was born (1958). Evidently delighted with the accolades he holds in high esteem, Michael said: "I’ve always been a big fan of the book. Thank you so much – it’s a great honor to visit the Guinness World Records offices."

Guinness World Records Editor Craig Glenday said: "We always expect the unexpected here at Guinness World Records. We’re used to all walks of life stopping by the office, but we haven’t been this excited since we met the Queen last year. Michael is one of the greatest superstars of all time and his unwavering success has kept him at the very top of the record breaking charts throughout his career. We’re absolutely delighted that Michael holds Guinness World Records in such high regard and honoured that he’s taken time out of his busy schedule to stop by and collect them in person."

List of Michael Jackson Guinness World Records

1. Most Successful Concert Series - Michael Jackson sold out for seven nights at Wembley Stadium, London, England in the summer of 1988. A total of 504,000 people saw Michael perform July 14-16, 22-23, and August 26-27, 1988.

2. Biggest Selling Album Of All Time - Michael Jackson's "Thriller" Album is the biggest selling album of all time, with over 50 million copies sold worldwide. Thriller is also the biggest selling U.S album with sales of 25 million copies.

3. Most Grammy Awards -Michael won a record breaking 8 Grammy Awards in 1984, more than any other artist in one year.

4. Largest Contracts -$890 million (Sony Music) Contract, with prospective earnings of $1 billion.

5. Greatest Audience -The highest-ever viewership was 133.4 million viewers watching the NBC transmission of Super Bowl XXVII on June 31, 1993. Michael was spotlighted during the half-time peformance.

6. Highest-Paid Commercial Spokesperson -Pepsi Cola paid Michael Jackson $12 million to do 4 TV commercials.
7. Bad Tour -Michael Jackson's world tour brought in a record gross revenue of over $124 million during September 1987-December 1988.

8. Billboard Charts -Michael Jackson is the first person in the 37 year history of the chart to enter at # 1, with his single "You Are Not Alone". Michael broke his previous redord held by his single "Earth Song" which debuted at #5.

Source: GuinessWorldRecords.com/http://mjjtime.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2010-11-19T00%3A50%3A00-08%3A00&max-results=7&reverse-paginate=true

Today in 2008, Michael Jackson send this note to his fans who gathered to his rented home in Los Angeles, California.

"You make me sooo happy, I can feel your energy through the walls. The sky is the limit. Higher consciousness always. [I’m] working hard, as always, [on] music, film, performance. I love you, Michael Jackson"

--- WE MISS YOU MICHAEL AND WE LOVE YOU MOST. ---

"My father's art and music will always make everyone happy. I love you Daddy" - Blanket Jackson

(In photos: Blanket's dedication below his father's artwork."

Michael Jackson's three children, Paris, Prince and Blanket unveil their father's charity artwork.

Prince, Paris, and Blanket, were front and center with aunt LaToya Jackson at a ceremony on Monday to honor the late King of Pop at Children's Hospital in Los Angeles.

At the ceremony, also attended by Michael's mom, Katherine Jackson, the kids presented the hospital with a gift of 13 pieces of original art created and signed by the late King of Pop. Sketches included one of Mickey Mouse, a throne and a drawing of Jackson icon Peter Pan. There was also a drawing of his famous moonwalk.

La Toya said she thought the art will bring joy to children at the hospital. "You look at this, it makes you happy," she said. The pieces of art are "whimsical, they're magical and there's just joy and peace."
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I've seen the video of the unveiling of Michael's artwork at Children Hospital and notice that the children also sign and leave a special message in behalf of their loving father. Michael did a good job raising his children. I hope they continue to help others the way Michael always did. Blanket's note really caught my attention. No words to describe. God Bless you Prince, Paris and Blanket.

more on http://www.etonline.com/music/113206_Michael_Jackson_s_Kids_Help_Unveil_His_Artwork_at_the_Children_s_Hospital_Los_Angeles/#

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/entertainment/post/2011/08/michael-jacksons-children-unveil-charity-artwork-/1

ONCE UPON A TIME

As told by Lala Romero (http://lalaromero.com/post.cfm/once-upon-a-time)

In Photos: Michael Jackson and Lala

I don't tell this story too often, in fact growing up I kinda learned to just keep it to myself.
Whenever people would find out I knew him, a gang of silly, dumb questions would follow, and I would always end up having to defend someone I loved so much.

When I was 5, my cousin Brian and I where OBSESSED with Micheal Jackson. We had dolls, sleeping bags, lunch boxes, and OF COURSE the gloves. I was pretty convinced I was going to be him when I grew up, and nobody could tell me otherwise! Brian was older then me, and found out at school MJ actually lived in the Valley, we lived in.

Anyone from LA pretty much knew the house. So we wrote him letters and enclosed a bunch of pics, you remember the ones from school you'd write on the bk, yeah well, lucky Michael got about 25 of me!! Basically we told him we LOVED him & I told him I was a singer and dancer!!! We also asked him to come to our house & visit!! Our loca tia Carol (RIP) took us to his house and we rang the gaurd gate. His guard came out to us & took our letters. WE WERE SOOOOOOO HAPPY, we KNEW he would get em!! I honestly can say we were just happy enough to see his gate & meet his gaurd NEVER did we really expect what happened next.

About 4 days later, at 10:30 pm, my mom got the call from Carol, Michael Jackson was HERE, in our APT building, on her couch. I was 5 & anybody who knows a 5 year old also knows that it's damn near impossible to wake em up!! The pic you see of us is him holding me, cause I wouldn't wake up, he insisted my parents take the pic so I would truly know he came!! A few days later I was going into the hospital for surgery & he called me. I couldn't BELIEVE I was talking to Micheal Jackson & that he actually had my number!! Over the next few years he would invite Brian & I to his house, to watch him shot his videos & to his shows.

It's weird, when I was lil, I didn't really grasp FAME, especially his FAME. All I knew was he was my friend & I think that's why he liked me. My friendship with him changed my life. It was a HUGE influence, it made me believe having a singer career was in arms reach. My neighborhood didn't support BIG DREAMS but his freindship gave me confidence & assurance that ANYTHING & EVERYTHING is possible, if you work hard & aren't scared to try. His generosity & kindness inspires me daily. Here was the biggest super star in the world taking time out to come to a broken down apt building in Van Nuys CA to see his fans. He was ALWAYS about his fans & his community, and I really always knew that if I got my chance I would strive to be just like that!!

Even as a tiny lil girl I could see his saddness & his lonely. It was a part of him, I think his childhood, fame & money alienated him from most of the world. Thats why he loved US cause we didnt care about the BS!! We just had fun!! He was so goofy & silly, we would jump on his trampoline and raid his candy shop.

Michael was like Edward Scissorhands & Willy Wonka to me, SOOOOO AMAZING in the HEART but so misunderstood by most! I love him always for touching my life & showing me a different world then the one I grew up in.

I hope those babies of his really grow up understanding that they did have the best daddy in the world. His heart & sprirt are what made him the GREATEST and so RARE.

One day I'll post more pics, and tell ya specific stories!! All the good things ya heard about him were ALL TRUE!! I promise!!

R.I.P M.J. YOU WILL BE MISSED AND ALWAYS LOVED!

MICHAEL AND LATOYA: PARTNERS IN PRANK

(In Photos: Late 70's- MJ drew his sister La Toya as a prank)

Below is a story from Katherine Jackson's My Family (The book I always red and love obviously) and I thought you'd like this little story of Mike and Toya, "partners in prank" as Mrs. Jackson quoted:

Because they still lived at home, Michael, Janet, and LaToya were
especially close. Somehow, Janet and LaToya had the ability to turn my
increasingly private, driven son into the lighthearted Michael of old -- if only
for a little while.

They loved to play practical jokes on one another. Michael especially
enjoyed tormenting LaToya with fake spiders and tarantulas. He’d place one
of his plastic creatures atop the phone in her room, call her, and listen for her
shrieks. Knowing how particular she was about her room, he’d also delight in
charging through the door and bouncing off her bed, with its white-satin
sheets.

“I’ll teach you to be so picky!” he’d exclaim amid her furious screams.

Having been informed by Michael that he was so proud to be working with
Sidney Lumet, LaToya conceived the revenge prank of all time.

One day shortly before Michael left for New York to begin filming, he
received a call on his private line from “Mr. Lumet’s secretary." Mr. Lumet
was in the neighborhood, the voice announced, and would be stopping by in
five minutes to take him out to dinner.

Michael didn’t know what to do first; he wasn’t dressed, and his room was
a mess. Somehow in five minutes he made himself presentable, tidied up, and
ran from door to door informing everyone excitedly, “Sidney Lumet is coming
to take me to dinner!” He then sat down and waited for our security to inform
him that Mr. Lumet had arrived. And Waited. I sat with him; I, too, believed
that the director was coming.

Finally, LaToya confessed, “Michael, Sidney Lumet isn’t taking you to
dinner. That was me on the phone!”

I’ve never seen Michael so angry. He dragged LaToya outside and wet her
from head to toe with the hose.

MICHAEL JACKSON KISSING A FAN (TRIUMPH TOUR)

(In Photos: Michael Jackson give his fan Lily McCune a kiss during The Jackson's Triumph Tour in 1981)

In October 15, 1981 issue of Jet Magazine a little article about this kiss was mentioned:

People are talking about how Michael Jackson, SEXY lead singer of The Jacksons, surprised a female fan who broke through a line of security guards at The Forum in Los Angeles to give him a gift while he was on stage singing a love song. Although Michael apparently wondered how she had managed to outmanEUverd the security muscle men, he accepted the gift then pulled her into his arms and kissed her tenderly. The security tightened to keep the other swooning fans from rushing the stage as The Jacksons - Jackie, Tito, Marlon, Michael and Randy - wound up their successful nationwide tour.
_____________________________________________________________________
This photo is probably one of those photos of Michael that I tried to look for a story. I spend hours looking for a possible write ups or interview from the girl in the photo. Well, I always wondered what it feels like to be so kissed by Michael... Can you blame me?
Michael Jackson always makes sure that in his every concert he fulfills one woman's ultimate chance of a lifetime... That is to be given a chance to hug him or even kiss him on stage. For me, this shows how important his fans to him. His little "quality time" with the LUCKY YANA GIRL on stage makes us swoon for him more...
WE MISS YOU MICHAEL... Thank You for all these wonderful memories.

credit: Jet Magazine Archive http://books.google.com/books?id=iLYDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA3&source=gbs_toc&cad=2#v=onepage&q&f=false